Gabion type protection structure

ABSTRACT

A free-standing bracing tie is used for reinforcing a mattress type structure constructed with a metal mesh and intended for civil protection works. The bracing tie includes a main structure having a lower portion for connection to a base sheet of mesh of the mattress type structure and an upper portion for connection to a covering sheet of mesh of the mattress type structure. The lower portion and the upper portion are connected to each other by one or more bracing tie branches located in a main plane of the main structure. At least one support member is connected to the main structure so as to extend out of the main plane to produce a three-dimensional bracing tie structure capable of standing alone. The bracing tie can be closed for storage and transport and can be opened at the location for positioning the mattress type structure.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of civil works for protecting slopes, hillsides, shores, coasts and other formations of the type, whether natural or artificial.

The invention has been developed with particular regard for protection structures of the mattress type which are constructed with a metal mesh, for example, but in a non-limiting manner, a metal mesh with double twist. The invention is particularly directed towards special bracing ties used to reinforce such protection structures of the mattress type.

TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

The protection structures of the mattress type which are constructed from metal mesh, referred to hereinafter simply as “mattresses”, are generally constituted by a lower sheet of metal mesh which rests on the ground and from which there extend vertically diaphragms which define the thickness of the mattress, dividing the mattress into a series of compartments. The compartments are filled with a filling material with a weight-increasing and filtering function, for example, stones, before being covered with an upper sheet of metal mesh which acts as a cover of the mattress. Normally, the diaphragms are obtained by folding in two the lower layer of mesh or by connecting at the bottom of the mattress a panel of mesh, the height of which is equal to the thickness of the mattress, ensuring an effective containment of the filling stones therein.

The mesh mattresses cover great areas of ground. The filling material may be subjected to hydraulic actions, such as currents or wave-like movement, which can generate bulges. In order to provide protection from the particular stresses linked with the bulging which may be formed over a great area of containment, there are often added spacers, so-called “bracing ties” or reinforcement ties, in order to reinforce the fixing of the covering mesh to the lower mesh in intermediate positions between one diaphragm and another. In substance, the bracing ties connect the lower mesh, which constitutes the base of the mattress, to the upper mesh, which acts as a cover, thereby ensuring a greater uniformity of the filling material of the mattress which, in this manner, better withstands the bulging deformations and is able to contain in a more rigid manner the filling of stones, also allowing the protection performance levels to be maintained in an unchanged state under powerful stresses.

Various types of bracing ties for mattresses are known. A simple solution is formed by simple bars with ends folded in a hook-like manner which are engaged in the lower sheet of mesh and the upper sheet of mesh of the cover. More complex solutions of bracing ties provide for wires which are moulded with a square wave, with alternating lower and upper horizontal rectilinear portions which are connected with links or clips to the lower sheet of mesh of the base and the upper sheet of the cover.

Notwithstanding the bracing ties of the prior art comply with the objective of preventing the bulging deformations of the mattresses, they require several manual operations for their installation as well as for preventing them from becoming submerged and bent towards the bottom of the mattress by the stones during the filling of the compartments of the mattress before it is covered with the upper sheet of mesh, therefore making it difficult if not impossible to form a connection between the lower sheet of metal mesh and the upper sheet of the mattress. On the other hand, the insertion of bracing ties once the filling has taken place is a complicated operation to carry out and is often completely impossible or leads to low-quality results.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to solve the problems of the prior art, by providing bracing ties for mesh mattresses which can be installed rapidly without needing particular attention by the operators, particularly during the operations for filling the mattress. Another objective of the invention is to provide bracing ties for mattresses which are simple to use and to put into operation and which are also convenient to transport to the installation site. Another object is to provide effective bracing ties which are durable and reliable in use. Another object of the invention is to provide bracing ties which are robust and economical at the same time.

Another object of the invention is to provide a mesh mattress which is provided with bracing ties and which can be filled rapidly and easily without requiring particular interventions by the operators in order to keep the bracing ties free from the stone. Another object of the invention is to provide a mesh mattress which is provided with bracing ties and which can be filled rapidly by means of mechanized procedures without involving particular risks for the operators.

In order to achieve these and other objectives, the invention relates to a bracing tie for mesh mattresses having the features set out in the appended claims. The invention also relates to a mesh mattress which is provided with a plurality of such bracing ties. The invention also relates to a method for constructing a protection structure with a mattress provided with these bracing ties.

According to a first aspect, there is described a bracing tie for reinforcing a mattress type structure. The mattress type structure is typically of the type constructed with a metal mesh which is intended for civil protection works and comprises a base sheet of mesh, also called lower web of mesh, and a covering sheet of mesh, also called upper web of mesh. The bracing tie comprises a main structure having a lower portion for connection to the base sheet of mesh of the mattress type structure. The main structure of the bracing tie also comprises an upper portion for connection to the covering sheet of mesh of the mattress type structure. The lower portion and the upper portion of the bracing tie are connected to each other by one or more bracing tie branches which lay in a main plane of the main structure. At least one support member can be connected to the main structure so as to extend out of the main plane so as to produce a generally three-dimensional bracing tie structure which is capable of remaining standing alone. The support member is advantageously made to extend outside the main plane of the main structure at the installation site of the mattress type structure. This can be achieved by e.g. initially providing the support member pivotally joined to the main structure and subsequently oscillating the support member with respect to the main structure. Alternatively, this can be achieved by providing the support member separate from the main structure at the installation site, joining them at the installation site by e.g. hooking and/or interlocking the support member to the main structure so that the former extends outside the main plane of the main structure. An advantage of the bracing tie described is therefore the fact of being able to be positioned on the base sheet of mesh of the mattress so as to remain standing alone without it being necessary for an operator to intervene. The bracing tie described therefore allows the mattress to be filled with the filling material practically without paying attention to the bracing ties which are positioned beforehand when the mattress is still empty, thereby allowing greater productivity.

According to a particular aspect, it is described that the at least one support member can be connected to the main structure in an articulated manner. In this manner, the support member can be folded or flattened in the main plane of the main structure in which the one or more bracing tie branches are located. As a result of this configuration, the bracing tie can be closed and occupy little space for the storage and transport thereof and can be rapidly opened, if necessary, at the location at which the mattress is positioned. Furthermore, the articulation between the main structure and the at least one support member allows orientation of the two elements in accordance with a different angle and thereby allows the height of the bracing tie to be adjusted so as to adapt it, at least within given limits, to mattresses with different thicknesses.

According to another aspect, it is described that the at least one support member can be coupled to the main structure in a hooked and/or interlocked manner. In this way, the at least one support member and the main structure can be separately provided at the installation site, thus occupying little space for their storage and transportation. The bracing tie can then can be conveniently erected when needed at the installation site by quickly securing, i.e. by hooking and/or interlocking the at least one support member to the main structure. The connection between the main structure and the at least one supporting member can allow them to be oriented at different angles and thus adjust the height of the bracing tie, so that it can be adapted, at least within certain limits, to mattresses of different thicknesses.

According to another particular aspect, the main structure of the bracing tie can be constructed by means of a single bent metal wire. The manufacturing of the bracing tie is particularly simple and economical and can readily be automated for large-scale production of the bracing ties. The support member can also be constructed by means of a single bent metal wire. In any case, variants which comprise hot-forged bars or bars bent in the cold state may be provided.

In the present description, the term “wire” used with reference to a bracing tie or a portion thereof indicates a relatively rigid metal bar or rod of a combined diameter and strength allowing it to be bent by common bending machines to assume the described configuration, at the same time being sufficiently strong and rigid to maintain its desired shape even when charged with typical loads which the known spacers, “bracing ties” or reinforcing rods usually withstand in the same or similar field and for the same or similar applications, under the same or similar use conditions.

According to another particular aspect, the upper portion of the main structure of the bracing tie may comprise a portion which is substantially rectilinear, for example, horizontal, and on which the covering sheet of mesh of the mattress can move into abutment and can be fixed at that location. There can be formed on the above-mentioned rectilinear portion of the bracing tie at least one loop, eyelet, bay-shaped or curved member which can be used to facilitate the connection of the main structure to the covering sheet of mesh of the mattress type structure. A loop, eyelet, bay-shaped or curved member formed on the rectilinear portion may also serve to connect the support member to the main structure of the bracing tie.

According to a different particular aspect, the lower portion of the main structure and/or a lower end of the at least one support member may comprise at least one foot which is configured in a hook-like or clasp-like manner in order to engage with the base sheet of mesh of the mattress type structure. The engagement can be brought about rapidly and without any need for the use of special tools. Furthermore, the engagement can be brought about with ease at any location of the sheet of mesh.

The ends of the bracing tie can be placed in traction immediately and without any risks of settlements. According to an additional aspect, the lower ends are configured so as to be adapted to wires of mesh with different diameters in addition to different positions of the mesh, for example, in the region of one of the torsion nodes of the wires in a double-twist mesh.

Preferably, one or more of these feet may comprise a corrugated end portion which is folded into a loop for connection to the base sheet of the mattress type structure. Once the foot is engaged with the base sheet, the corrugated portion thereof makes it secure and prevents the bracing tie from becoming disengaged even when it is covered by the filling material which is poured into the mattress before it is closed.

According to a different particular aspect, the main structure comprises two bracing tie branches which define the lateral branches of an inverted U-shaped structure or the crossed branches of an X-shaped structure. Such a main structure is solid in the reference plane, at the same time remaining light for transport.

The bracing ties described can be used in a mattress type structure which is constructed with a metal mesh intended for civil protection works. The mattress type structure comprises a base sheet of mesh and a covering sheet of mesh. The bracing ties can be arranged in the mattress type structure in such a manner that the lower portion of each bracing tie is connected to the base sheet of mesh and the upper portion of each bracing tie is connected the covering sheet of mesh. The three-dimensional formation of the bracing tie has the advantage of creating an additional interaction with the filling of the mattress. In fact, the filling of stones is introduced into the three-dimensional structure of the bracing tie, bringing about further strengthening of the mattress. This further strengthening is advantageous because it improves the anti-erosion characteristics of the mattress because the filling stones remain firmer and more stable with respect to known solutions and therefore continue to produce the filtering effect thereof even when the stresses of the current in which the mattress is immersed might tend to move them.

There is further described a method for positioning a mattress type structure for constructing civil protection works. During positioning, there are particularly provided a large number of bracing ties of the type indicated above. The bracing ties can be provided in the flattened configuration which is convenient for storage and transport and in which the at least one support member is folded and flattened in the main plane of the main structure. Alternatively, the support members can be provided separately from the main structures, to which they are coupled by e.g. hooking and/or interlocking. There is then provision for positioning a base sheet of mesh of a mattress type structure on the ground surface to be protected. Normally, the mattress type structure is provided with diaphragms. The diaphragms may be constructed in production steps and may be constituted by a doubling in some portions of the base sheet of mesh or by panels of mesh having a height equal to the thickness of the mattress which are joined to the base sheet. The bracing ties are subsequently arranged on the base sheet by opening the bracing ties from the folded or flattened configuration or alternatively joined to the respective main structures of the bracing ties by e.g. hooking and/or interlocking in case they are provided separately to the installation site. To do so, the at least one support member of each bracing tie extends out of the main plane of the main structure so as to obtain a bracing tie structure which is generally three-dimensional and capable of remaining standing alone. The bracing tie structure obtained in this manner is secured to the base sheet of mesh in such a manner that it rises substantially perpendicularly thereto. It is then possible to carry out the filling of the mattress type structure with a filling material. When filling is complete, the mattress type structure is closed by spreading a covering sheet of mesh which is secured to the bracing ties. While the mattress type structure is being filled, it is preferable and advantageous to also fill with filling material the space defined by the three-dimensional bracing tie structure so as to further stabilize the filling as mentioned above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Additional features and advantages will be appreciated from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment with reference to the appended drawings which are given purely by way of non-limiting example and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a bracing tie for mesh mattresses incorporating aspects of the present invention,

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a variant of the bracing tie for mattresses of FIG. 1 and

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a bracing tie for mesh mattresses incorporating aspects of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The term “wire” used in the present description to define the bracing tie or parts thereof is intended to define a relatively rigid wire in the sense explained above. In comparison, the wires making the wire mesh sheets are usually of a smaller diameter and lower strength than the “wire” used for the braking tie, thus allowing the wires of the mesh to be twisted around each other in the known way.

Now with reference to FIG. 1 , there is illustrated an embodiment of a bracing tie 10 for mesh mattresses which are intended for protecting slopes, shores and the like, as indicated above, incorporating aspects of the present invention. The bracing tie 10 is shown in a state connected to a sheet T of mesh which acts as a base for a mattress. For example, this involves a sheet of metal mesh, for example, of the type with double twist and hexagonal mesh, even if the use of the bracing tie for other types of mesh is not excluded.

The bracing tie 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 is shown in the operating condition thereof for use before being fixed to the sheet of mesh which acts as a cover of the mattress (not illustrated in the Figures). In this operating condition, the bracing tie 10 is “free-standing”, this term being intended to be understood to mean the characteristic according to which the bracing tie 10 remains standing alone in the manner of a stand or tripod. The free-standing operating condition is a feature of the invention which shares all the embodiments of the bracing tie illustrated, described and discussed here.

The bracing tie 10 comprises a main wire 12 which is secured to a support wire 14. The main wire 12 is folded in order to form a substantially inverted U-shaped structure with two lateral branches 16 which are joined by an upper cross-member 18. The upper cross-member 18 is intended to be fixed to a covering sheet of mesh of the mattress (not illustrated in the Figures), for example, by means of clips or ties or other systems of the type generally known in the field. To this end, the upper cross-member 18 may where applicable have folds, loops, eyelets, bay-shaped or curved members in order to promote the fixing thereof to the upper covering sheet of mesh of the mattress. An example of such curved members will be illustrated below with reference to the embodiment of FIG. 3 which may, however, also be replicated and adapted to this embodiment or any other embodiment of the bracing tie according to the invention.

The lateral branches 16 extend so as to converge towards the upper cross-member 18 even if the possibility of the bracing tie being formed in such a manner that the lateral branches 16 are parallel with each other and extend, for example, in a precisely vertical direction or extend in a mutually divergent direction is not excluded.

At the lower ends 20 thereof opposite the upper cross-member 18, the lateral branches 16 are folded so as to form two feet 22. The feet 22 are preferably in the form of hooks or clasps in order to engage with the sheet T of mesh. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 , each foot 22 comprises a base portion 24 which is substantially rectilinear and which extends in a direction horizontally away from the respective lateral branch 16 in order to curve through 180° in an end portion 26 which is directed towards a lateral branch 16. The foot 22 thereby forms a clasp or a loop which can be engaged in any desired position with the sheet T of mesh, for example, with a metal wire thereof or also in the region of one of the nodes thereof, where the wires of the sheet form an interweaving. In order to promote the engagement of the foot 22 with the sheet T of mesh, there may be provided an undulation or corrugation 28 of the wire portion which forms the foot 22, for example, in the end portion 26. The feet 22 can be simply engaged with the sheet T of mesh or can be secured in a more stable manner, for example, by means of clips or ties. In a simpler form of the bracing tie, one foot or both feet 22 can be constructed simply by horizontally bending the ends 20 of the lateral branches 16 which, in this manner, take up an approximately L-shaped formation and which, in this case, can be inserted into the mesh of the sheet T of mesh and where applicable secured thereto via known means, for example, clips or ties.

In the region of the upper cross-member 18, for example, approximately at the centre thereof, the main wire 12 is bent so as to form a bay-shaped or curved member or, as illustrated in FIG. 1 , a loop 29, to which it is possible to articulate an upper end 30 of the support wire 14. The engagement between the support wire 14 and the main wire 12 at the upper cross-member 18 can be made either in the factory or on the installation site. In the first case, the bracing tie can be provided in a substantially flattened state. In the second case, the components of the bracing tie, i.e. the main wire 12 and the support wire 14 can be provided separately from each other and secured to each other at the installation site. For example, the upper end 30 of the support wire 14 can be bent about itself in order to form a loop or a hook 31 which engages with the ring which is formed by the loop 29 in the upper cross-member 18 of the main wire 14. Preferably, but in a non-limiting manner, the upper end 30 of the support wire 14 comprises a short upper portion 32 which can also be fixed to the upper covering sheet of mesh of the mattress. The support wire 14 extends from the upper end 30 so as to form a support branch 34. At the other end 36 of the support branch 34, there is constructed a foot 38 having similar characteristics to those of the feet 22 constructed in the main wire 12. In particular, the foot 38 is also preferably formed in the manner of a hook or clasp in order to engage with the sheet T of mesh and, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 , also comprises a substantially rectilinear base portion which extends in a direction horizontally away from the support branch 34 in order to curve through 180° in an end portion which is directed towards the support branch 34. The foot 38 thereby forms a loop which can be engaged in any desired position with the sheet T of mesh, for example, with a metal wire thereof or also in the region of one of the nodes thereof, where the wires of the mesh form an interweaving. In order to promote the engagement of the foot 38 with the sheet of mesh 2, there may be provided an undulation or corrugation of the wire portion which forms the foot 38, for example, in the end portion thereof. The foot 38 can also be simply engaged with the sheet T of mesh or can be secured thereto in a more stable manner, for example, by means of clips or ties. In a simpler form of the bracing tie, the foot 38 can also be constructed simply by horizontally bending the lower end of the support branch 34 which, in this manner, takes up an approximately L-shaped formation and which, in this case, can be inserted into the mesh of the sheet T of mesh and where applicable secured thereto via known means, for example, clips or ties.

The support wire 14 can be secured to the main wire 12 with the production of the bracing tie 10 in the factory so as to increase the speed of the positioning operations of the mattress in situ. The fact that the support 14 is articulated to the main wire in the articulation node formed by the curved member 29 and the clasp 31 allows the support wire to be arranged in the plane of the main wire 12 flattening the structure of the bracing tie 10 and making it compact so as to promote the transport thereof. At the positioning location of the mattress, the bracing tie 10 can be opened by moving the support wire 14 away from the two lateral branches 16 of the main wire 12 so as to form a type of tripod which is capable of remaining standing alone, as illustrated in FIG. 1 . In any case, it is still possible to provide the support wire 14 and the main wire 12 in a separate form and to assemble them at the positioning location of the mattress. In both cases, the three-dimensional structure formed by the bracing tie can be engaged or in any case secured in the desired position to the base sheet T of mesh of the mattress by means of the feet 22 of the main wire 12 and the foot 38 of the support wire 14. The three-dimensional structure of the bracing tie 10 remains standing alone during the filling of the mattress with stones without any need for an operator to intervene. Furthermore, the stones poured into the mattress are introduced inside the three-dimensional structure of the bracing tie in the space contained between the lateral branches 16 of the main wire 12 and the support branch 34 of the support wire 14. In this manner, the bracing tie contributes to the stability of the stones inside the mattress in addition to preventing the bulges of the mattress once the covering sheet of mesh is fixed to the upper portion of the bracing tie, in particular to the upper cross-member 18 of the main wire 12.

Now with reference to FIG. 2 , there is illustrated a variant of a bracing tie 110 for mesh mattresses incorporating aspects of the present invention. Identical reference numerals indicate identical components to those described above with reference to FIG. 1 . In this case, the bracing tie 110 is also illustrated in a state connected to a sheet T of mesh which acts as a base for a mattress. For example, this involves a sheet of metal mesh, for example, of the type with double twist and hexagonal mesh, even if the use of the bracing tie for other types of mesh is not excluded.

The bracing tie 110 comprises a main wire 112 which is secured to a support wire 114. The main wire 112 is bent to form a substantially inverted U-shaped structure with two lateral branches 116 which are joined by an upper cross-member 118. The upper cross-member 118 is intended to be fixed to a covering sheet of mesh of the mattress (not illustrated in the Figures), for example, by means of clips or ties or other systems of the type generally known in the field. To this end, the upper cross-member 118 may where applicable have folds, loops, eyelets, bay-shaped or curved members in order to promote the fixing thereof to the upper covering sheet of mesh of the mattress. An example of such curved members will be illustrated below with reference to the embodiment of FIG. 3 which may, however, also be replicated and adapted to this embodiment or any other embodiment of the bracing tie according to the invention.

The lateral branches 116 extend so as to converge towards the upper cross-member 118 even if the possibility of the bracing tie 110 being formed in such a manner that the lateral branches 116 are parallel with each other and extend, for example, in a precisely vertical direction or extend in a mutually divergent direction is not excluded.

At the lower ends 120 thereof, opposite the upper cross-member 118, the lateral branches 116 are bent so as to form two feet 122. FIG. 2 shows an example of the formation of the feet 122 which is different from that of the example of FIG. 1 , but naturally the formations are interchangeable in accordance with preferences and manufacturing convenience and convenience of use of the bracing ties. The lower ends 120 are directly bent through 180° in respective end portions 126 which thereby form loops, clasps or eyelets 128 which can engage in any desired position with the sheet T of mesh, for example, with a metal wire thereof or also preferably in the region of one of the nodes thereof where the wires of the mesh form an interweaving or twisting. As already described in the example of FIG. 1 , the feet 122 can simply be engaged with the sheet T of mesh or can be secured in a more stable manner, for example, by means of clips or ties. One foot or both feet 122 can be constructed in the embodiment already illustrated in the example of FIG. 1 or can also be constructed in a simpler form than the ones illustrated by horizontally bending the ends 120 of the lateral branches 116 which, in this manner, take up an approximately L-shaped formation and which, in this case, can be inserted into the mesh of the sheet T of mesh and where applicable secured thereto via known means, for example, clips or ties.

In the region of the upper cross-member 118, for example, approximately at the centre thereof, the main wire 112 is bent so as to form a bay-shaped or curved member or loop 129 with which it is possible to engage an upper end 130 of the support wire 114. The engagement between the support wire 114 and the main wire 112 at the upper cross-member 118 can be made either in the factory or on the installation site. In the first case, the bracing tie can be provided in a substantially flattened state. In the second case, the components of the bracing tie, i.e. the main wire 112 and the support wire 114 can be provided separately from each other and secured to each other at the installation site. For example, the upper end 130 of the support wire 114 can be bent about itself in order to form a clasp 131 which engages with the loop 129 in the upper cross-member 118 of the main wire 114. The support wire 114 extends from the upper end 130 so as to form a support branch 134. At the other end 136 of the support branch 134, there is constructed a foot 138 having similar characteristics to those of the feet 122 constructed in the main wire 112. In particular, the foot 138 is also preferably formed in the manner of a hook or clasp in order to engage with the sheet T of mesh. The foot 138 thereby forms a loop which can be engaged in any desired position with the sheet T of mesh, for example, with a metal wire thereof or also in the region of one of the nodes thereof, where the wires of the mesh form an interweaving. The foot 138 can also be simply engaged with the sheet T of mesh or can be secured thereto in a more stable manner, for example, by means of clips or ties. In a simpler form of the bracing tie 110, the foot 138 can also be constructed simply by horizontally bending the lower end of the support branch 134 which, in this manner, takes up an approximately L-shaped formation and which, in this case, can be inserted into the mesh of the sheet T of mesh and where applicable secured thereto via known means, for example, clips or ties.

The support wire 114 can be secured to the main wire 112 with the production of the bracing tie 110 in the factory so as to increase the speed of the positioning operations of the mattress in situ. The fact that the support wire 114 is articulated to the main wire in the articulation node formed by the loop 129 and the clasp 131 allows the support wire to be arranged in the plane of the main wire 112, flattening the structure of the bracing tie 110 and making it compact so as to promote the transport thereof. At the positioning location of the mattress, the bracing tie 110 can be opened by moving the support wire 114 away from the two lateral branches 116 of the main wire 112 so as to form a type of stand or tripod which is capable of remaining standing alone, as illustrated in FIG. 2 . In any case, it is still possible to provide the support wire 114 and the main wire 112 in a separate form and to assemble them at the positioning location of the mattress. In both cases, the three-dimensional structure formed by the bracing tie can be engaged or in any case secured in the desired position to the base sheet T of mesh of the mattress by means of the feet 122 of the main wire 112 and the foot 138 of the support wire 114. The three-dimensional structure of the bracing tie 110 remains standing alone during the filling of the mattress with stones without any need for an operator to intervene. Furthermore, the stones poured into the mattress are introduced inside the three-dimensional structure of the bracing tie in the space contained between the lateral branches 116 of the main wire 112 and the support branch 134 of the support wire 114. In this manner, the bracing tie contributes to the stability of the stones inside the mattress in addition to preventing the bulges of the mattress once the covering sheet of mesh is fixed to the upper portion of the bracing tie, in particular to the upper cross-member 118 of the main wire 112.

Now with reference to FIG. 3 , there is illustrated another embodiment of a bracing tie 140 for mesh mattresses which are intended for the protection of slopes, shores and the like, as indicated above, incorporating aspects of the present invention. The bracing tie 140 is shown in a state connected to a sheet T of mesh which acts as a base for a mattress. For example, this involves a sheet of metal mesh, for example, of the type with double twist and hexagonal mesh, even if the use of the bracing tie for other types of mesh is not excluded.

The bracing tie 140 comprises a main wire 142 which is secured to a support wire 144. The main wire 142 is folded to form a substantially X-shaped structure with two crossed branches 146, 147 which are joined by an upper cross-member 148. The upper cross-member 148 is intended to be fixed to a covering sheet of mesh of the mattress (not illustrated in the Figures), for example, by means of clips or ties or other systems of the type generally known in the field. The upper cross-member 148 may have folds, loops, eyelets, bay-shaped or curved members in order to promote the fixing thereof to the upper covering sheet of mesh of the mattress. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3 , the upper cross-member 148 is folded to form two curved members 149 at the lateral ends thereof, from where the crossed branches 146, 147 extend, respectively. As indicated above, this feature is not limited to the embodiment of FIG. 3 but may instead be replicated and adapted to any other embodiment of the bracing tie according to the invention.

The crossed branches 146, 147 are brought near each other in a central zone 151 where they are secured to each other by means of a clasp 171 which is constructed at an end of the support wire 144. Naturally, there may be provided different configurations to secure the two crossed branches 146, 147 to each other in the central zone 151 of the extent thereof, for example, by constructing loops, eyelets, bends, curved members, abutments or other folds on one or both crossed branches 146, 147. In an alternative form, the crossed branches 146, 147 are secured to each other by means of clips or ties or other systems of the type. The engagement between the support wire 144 and the main wire 142 at the central zone 151 can be made either in the factory or on the installation site. In the first case, the bracing tie can be provided in a substantially flattened state. In the second case, the components of the bracing tie, i.e. the main wire 142 and the support wire 144 can be provided separately from each other and secured to each other at the installation site.

At the lower ends 160 thereof, opposite the upper cross-member 148, the crossed branches 146, 147 are bent so as to form two feet 162. FIG. 3 shows an example of the formation of the feet 162 which is different from that of the example of FIGS. 1 and 2 , but naturally all the formations of feet described are interchangeable in accordance with preferences and manufacturing convenience and convenience of use of the bracing ties. The lower ends 160 are constructed, for example, in a manner more similar to the ends of the variant of a bracing tie of FIG. 2 and are directly bent through 180° in respective end portions 166 which thereby form loops which can be engaged in any desired position with the sheet T of mesh, for example, with a metal wire thereof or also preferably in the region of one of the nodes thereof where the wires of the mesh form an interweaving or twisting. In order to promote the engagement of the foot 162 with the sheet T of mesh, there may be provided an undulation or corrugation 168 of the wire portion which forms the foot 162, for example, in the end portion 166. As already described in the preceding examples, the feet 166 can simply be engaged with the sheet T of mesh or can be secured in a more stable manner, for example, by means of clips or ties. One foot or both feet 162 can be constructed in the embodiment already illustrated in the example of FIG. 1 or can be constructed more simply by horizontally bending the ends 160 of the crossed branches 146, 147 which, in this manner, take up an approximately L-shaped formation and which, in this case, can be inserted into the mesh of the sheet T of mesh and where applicable secured thereto via known means, for example, clips or ties.

In the region of the central intersection zone 151 of the crossed branches 146, 147, the upper end 170 of the support wire 144 is articulated. For example, the upper end 170 of the support wire 144 can be folded about itself in order to form a loop or clasp 171 which engages with the intersection node of the two crossed branches 146, 147. The support wire 144 extends from the upper end 170 in order to form a support branch 174. At the other end 176 of the support branch 174 there is constructed a foot 178 having features similar to those of the foot 38 described above with reference to the embodiment of FIG. 1 and which will not, therefore, be described here in greater detail.

In this embodiment, the support wire 144 can also be secured to the main wire 142 with the production of the bracing tie 140 in the factory so as to increase the speed of the positioning operations of the mattress in situ. All the considerations already expressed with reference to the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2 are also similarly applicable to the embodiment of FIG. 3 and will not be repeated. For example, the bracing tie 140 can also be folded and compacted for easier transport. Furthermore, once erected, the bracing tie 140 also remains standing alone in the manner of a stand or tripod, promoting the filling of the mattress with stones. In this case, the three-dimensional configuration of the bracing tie 140 also contributes to the stabilization of the stones which will occupy the space between the crossed branches 146, 147 and the support branch 174.

The bracing ties which are described above and which incorporate aspects of the present invention can be supplied in a state separate from the mattress to which they will be secured in situ. It is also possible to make provision for some or all of the bracing ties to be provided in a state already secured to the mattress before the transport thereof to the installation site. In this case, it is possible to secure beforehand the feet of the main wire of the bracing tie to the sheet T of mesh of the mattress in an articulated manner so as to be able to flatten the structure of the bracing tie and to arrange it on the sheet of mesh. This possibility simplifies the implementation of the bracing ties which in this case can be rapidly erected in situ and made stable simply by widening the support wire and providing for the foot thereof to be engaged with the sheet of mesh in order to form a stand or tripod, as illustrated in the examples depicted and described above.

The bracing ties of the present invention may be suitable for a number of variants which do not alter the functional characteristics and advantages thereof. For example, the bracing ties can be constructed from materials different from shaped and folded metal wires. For example, one or more portions of the bracing ties can be constructed from metal bars, for example, hot or cold formed bars. The bracing ties can be constructed by moulding or by forging. They may also comprise a plurality of elements which are connected to each other, for example, more than one support wire, in order to form structures with four or more feet.

The main structure is not limited to an open configuration such as the inverted U-shape figure of FIGS. 1 and 2 or such as the X-shaped figure of FIG. 3 , but may instead also take up a closed configuration, for example, square, rectangular or triangular or generally polygonal. The main structure of the bracing tie may also be constructed with a single connecting branch for the lower portion to the upper portion and may take up an L-shaped, I-shaped or inverted T-shaped configuration, in which the lower portion of the main structure substantially comprises a horizontal portion which is sufficiently long to constitute a type of line of oscillation in the plane of the lower sheet of mesh of the mattress and to define together with the vertical branch the reference plane, transversely to which the one or more support members which allow the bracing tie to take up a three-dimensional configuration which remains standing alone can extend.

Naturally, the principle of the invention remaining the same, the forms of embodiment and details of construction may be varied widely with respect to those described and illustrated without thereby departing from the scope of the present invention 

1.-15. (canceled)
 16. A free-standing bracing tie for reinforcing a mattress type structure constructed with a metal mesh which is intended for civil protection works, comprising a main structure having a lower portion for connection to a base sheet of mesh of the mattress type structure and an upper portion for connection to a covering sheet of mesh of the mattress type structure, the lower portion and the upper portion being connected to each other by one or more bracing tie branches which are located in a main plane of the main structure, at least one support member being connected to the main structure and extending out of the main plane so as to produce a generally three-dimensional bracing tie structure which is capable of remaining standing alone, wherein the at least one support member is connected to the main structure by hooking and/or interlocking.
 17. The bracing tie according to claim 16, wherein the support member is connected to the main structure in an articulated manner so as to be able to be folded or flattened in the main plane in which the one or more bracing tie branches are located.
 18. The bracing tie according to claim 16, wherein the main structure is constructed with a single folded metal wire.
 19. The bracing tie according to claim 16, wherein the upper portion comprises a substantially rectilinear portion, on which there is formed at least one loop, eyelet or curved member for connecting the main structure to the covering sheet of mesh of the mattress type structure and/or for connecting the support member to the main structure.
 20. The bracing tie according to claim 16, wherein the lower portion of the main structure and/or a lower end of the support member comprises at least one foot which is configured in a hook-like or clasp-like manner in order to engage with the base sheet of mesh of the mattress type structure.
 21. The bracing tie according to claim 20, wherein the at least one foot comprises a corrugated end portion which is folded into a loop for connection to the base sheet of the mattress type structure.
 22. The bracing tie according to claim 16, comprising two bracing tie branches which define lateral branches of an inverted U-shaped structure or crossed branches of an X-shaped structure.
 23. A mattress type structure constructed with a metal mesh intended for civil protection works, the mattress type structure comprising: a base sheet of mesh; a covering sheet of mesh; and a plurality of bracing ties, each bracing tie comprising at least one support member and a main structure having a lower portion and an upper portion, the lower portion of each bracing tie being connected to the base sheet of mesh and the upper portion of each bracing tie being connected the covering sheet of mesh, the lower portion and the upper portion being connected to each other by one or more bracing tie branches, the bracing tie branches being located in a main plane of the main structure, the at least one support member being connected to the main structure and extending out of the main plane so as to produce a generally three-dimensional bracing tie structure capable of remaining standing alone, wherein the at least one support member is connected to the main structure by hooking and/or interlocking.
 24. A method for positioning a mattress type structure for constructing civil protection works, comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of bracing ties in a flattened configuration, each bracing tie including at least one support member and a main structure having a lower portion and an upper portion, the lower portion and the upper portion being connected to each other by one or more bracing tie branches located in a main plane of the main structure, the at least one support member being connected to the main structure by hooking and/or interlocking and the at least one support member in the flattened configuration being folded and flattened in the main plane of the main structure; positioning a base sheet of mesh of a mattress type structure on a ground surface to be protected; for each bracing tie, extending the at least one support member out of the main plane so as to obtain a bracing tie structure which is generally three-dimensional and capable of remaining standing alone and so as to rise substantially perpendicularly to the base sheet of mesh; filling the mattress type structure with a filling material; and covering the mattress type structure with a covering sheet of mesh by securing the covering sheet to each bracing tie structure.
 25. A method for positioning a mattress type structure for constructing civil protection works, comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of main structures each having a lower portion for connection to a base sheet of mesh of a mattress type structure, and an upper portion for connection to a covering sheet of mesh of the mattress type structure, the lower portion and the upper portion being connected to each other by one or more bracing tie branches which are located in a main plane of the main structure; providing a separate plurality of support members, positioning a base sheet of mesh of a mattress type structure on a ground surface to be protected; connecting each of a number of main structures to at least one support member to obtain a corresponding number of bracing ties, wherein each bracing tie comprises at least one of the support members which extends out of the main plane to produce a generally three-dimensional bracing tie structure which is capable of remaining standing alone erected on the base sheet of mesh; filling the mattress type structure with a filling material; and covering the mattress type structure with a covering sheet of mesh by securing the covering sheet to the number of bracing tie structures.
 26. The method according to claim 25, wherein each bracing tie is produced by hooking and/or interlocking the at least one support member to the corresponding main structure.
 27. The method according to claim 24, further comprising the step of securing each bracing tie structure to the base sheet of mesh.
 28. The method according to claim 27, wherein the step of securing each bracing tie structure to the base sheet of mesh comprises the step of securing the main structure in an articulated manner to the base sheet of mesh and arranging the main structure on the base sheet for subsequent transport of the mattress type structure to an installation site.
 29. The method according to claim 24, wherein the step of filling the mattress type structure with a filling material comprises the step of filling with filling material a space defined by each three-dimensional bracing tie structure erected on the base sheet of mesh.
 30. The method according to claim 25, further comprising the step of securing each bracing tie structure to the base sheet of mesh.
 31. The method according to claim 30, wherein the step of securing each bracing tie structure to the base sheet of mesh comprises the step of securing the main structure in an articulated manner to the base sheet of mesh and arranging the main structure on the base sheet for subsequent transport of the mattress type structure to an installation site.
 32. The method according to claim 25, wherein the step of filling the mattress type structure with a filling material comprises the step of filling with filling material a space defined by each three-dimensional bracing tie structure erected on the base sheet of mesh. 